The Trust was delighted to see a number of its volunteers recognised at a celebratory event for the County Durham Environmental Awards, which took place on 7th March at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield.

The event gathered together 'the cream of the crop for their green credentials' to celebrate those recognised as highly commended or winners in each category. Nominees present included schools, businesses and volunteers, all commended for their efforts to bring people together to care for and enhance the environment.

Durham Wildlife Trust was represented in two categories: The Community and Wildlife Church Grounds Project was nominated in the Nature in Places and Spaces and Chloe Shevels was nominated in the Volunteer of the year- Over 18 years old 

The success has been evident in the many outcomes in its first year, during which the group has grown both the community involved as well as local wildlife. Together, this group of volunteers - supported by Durham Wildlife Trust project lead, Jodie Morgan - have: created a wildflower meadow on an ex dumping ground site, transformed a woodland into a wildlife friendly woodland, developed a kingfisher project through restoring an old beck, worked alongside home-educated children to carry out planting, developed a peace garden at St, Michael's Church for the local community to reflect on those who have passed, and delivered many popular events. More than 50 people have been involved in voluntary work for this project, improving their physical and mental wellbeing and creating new friendships whilst improving their local greenspaces.

Some of the tasks Chloe has helped with include: 

• clearing trees and scrubs
• footpath work and site maintenance at Low Barns
• scrub control at Bishop Middleham Quarry  
• footpath work at Headleyhope Fell
• balsam pulling, meadow cuts and meadow management at many of our reserves  
• managing bracken around Derwent Reservoir.

Chloe has completed training in Outdoor First Aid and the Safe use of Strimmers and Brushcutters and has developed a genuine interest in nature conservation. Chloe's growth in self confidence combined with her conservation experience and personal development will hopefully lead to a career in conservation.

Emily Routledge, Head of Development and Communications for Durham Wildlife Trust, said: "More than 50 years ago Durham Wildlife Trust was founded by volunteers and they remain central to our work to protect the natural world from the Tees to the Tyne. We simply could not do what we do without them and to say we value their support would be an understatement. Events like the County Durham Environment Awards offer a fantastic opportunity to not only recognise but celebrate the hard work of local volunteers. It was wonderful to see so many organisations, including businesses and schools, sharing details of what they are doing to make a positive impact in their local area. The stories were inspiring, in particular the commitment by so many young people, who have worked together to develop innovative ideas for protecting the planet - our futures will be safe in their hands. Well done to everyone who was nominated and recognised on the night."